FlixChatter Review: The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

I read The Fault in Our Stars and absolutely adored it. You can read my full review here! The dialogue was witty, sharp and fun and the characters were well developed. I’m also a huge fan of the television show “Friends.” Each friend lends a different perspective and balances each other out. Without all six friends, the show wouldn’t work. After digesting the novel in one sitting, this is precisely how I felt about each character. So, when I discovered TFIOS was destined for the big screen, I’ll admit I had my reservations. With that said, the film happily exceeded my expectations.

Forget what you might’ve heard, but this is not a film about cancer. It’s about relationships; more specifically, two teenagers who experience real love for the first time. Cancer just happens to be their particular obstacle. Fun fact, the title is actually borrowed from Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar:”

“Men at some time are masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.”

Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) is battling Stage IV thyroid cancer, forcing her to wear a nasal cannula and carry an oxygen tank. Augustus (Gus) Waters (Ansel Elgort) has osteosarcoma (bone cancer) which caused him to lose part of his leg. The two meet in a cancer support group and they bond over ‘An Imperial Affliction,’ which just so happens to be a novel about a woman dealing with cancer.

For being so young, their relationship is so mature yet innocent at the same time.

Both Woodley and Elgort were believable as romantic interests, and, in my opinion, captured the sarcastic and clever nature of their respective characters. More importantly, not only did they portray the fear of living with cancer as teenagers, but also showed they are more than just their cancer. Even with death close on their heels, they demonstrated compassion and wisdom beyond their years. Woodley and Elgort perfected the boldness and insecurities of their characters.

Woodley and Elgort actually appeared in another blockbuster YA film adaptation as brother and sister in Divergent! Admittedly, Elgort’s role was somewhat forgettable. However, to be fair, he isn’t integral to the plot of the first story; whereas, I was blown away by my introduction to Woodley. I can pleasantly say Elgort’s performance in TFIOS will not be so readily forgotten. He was gentle, sweet, caring, and was surprisingly confident for one so young.

There was one character I was particularly looking forward to seeing encapsulated on-screen. Peter Van Houten (Willem Dafoe) is the author of ‘An Imperial Affliction,’ but abruptly ended his novel in an unorthodox manner. Questions on what happens to the characters have plagued Hazel, and now Gus. Even though his novel was a vast success, Van Houten became a recluse and moved to Amsterdam. Needless to say, Van Houten is a quirky, bitter and cantankerous character, who also happens to be an alcoholic. I purposely avoided watching too many trailers and monitoring casting, as I wanted to be, for the most part, uninformed. So, I won’t spoil the surprise for you. I will say I loved the casting choice, and I think you will too. After seeing the film, I don’t think there was anyone else who could’ve pulled this character off (without being too showy or typecast).

Also, I was relieved to see a majority of the novel remained the tone and plot remained intact. There were a few tweaks and edited scenes I would like to have seen fully, but as a whole it really works. Director Josh Boone (Stuck in Love) has created an accurate, beautiful and humorous interpretation of a most beloved novel. I think in large, this is due to the fact author John Green was consulted and marginally involved with the production. Nevertheless, he has given his stamp of approval.

I highly recommend seeing this film; although, be prepared for an emotional roller-coaster. If crying in a dark movie theatre surrounded by strangers doesn’t appeal to you, then maybe save this one for the privacy of your own home. However, if you are bold enough, go see this film! It’ll make you laugh, cry and swoon all at the same time.

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33 thoughts on “FlixChatter Review: The Fault in Our Stars (2014)”

Tom

Wonderful review Ashley, even though I haven’t read the book it’s positive reviews like these that really are making me get out the door to see it. Love Shailene Woodley myself. She’s fantastic in The Descendants, that was my intro to her.

I’ve never heard of the book and I didn’t know the movie version was coming out until yesterday when it was reported that it’s going to be #1 at the box office! Ha ha, guess I’m not the demographic the movie was aiming for. But nice review Ashley, not sure if it’s something I’ll watch anytime soon.

I’ve been reviewing a lot of YA film adaptations for Ruth and I’ve noticed directors are trying to follow the novels as closely as possible, while still offering and engaging and entertaining film. I only hope this trend continues, because there’s nothing worse than seeing a novel you love so much widely misconstrued on film.

I’ve had a few favorite novels torn asunder when adapted to film. Though, not Young Adult, Tom Wolfe’s ‘Bonfire of the Vanities’ is probably front and center. Which is odd, since Phillip Kaufman’s ‘The Right Stuff’ was so spot on!

You’re probably right in your hope and prediction, Since fan popularity and social media spreading the word would be a great incentive for directors and producers to not fiddle around with a proven product.

It’s always a gamble when you hear a beloved novel is destined for the big screen; however, I’ve been surprised by a few films I enjoyed more than the novel: The Beach, Casino Royale, Jane Eyre, and The Great Gatsby.

Very nice review! I read TFIOS in December 2013, and wouldn’t say I was obsessed with the characters/book, but was definitely look forward to the adaptation…and you’re right – it does not disappoint. Woodley, Elgort, and the overall production paid a lot of attention to the movie and their love of the material showed. I hope to see it at least one more time this summer. 🙂

I’m not the biggest fan of contemporary YA, but I felt like this novel was completely different than anything I’ve read in this genre. However, I can see why some people might be so so about it.

Apparently Woodley wrote several letters to John Green saying how much she enjoyed the novel and to the director begging him to give her an audition (he thought she was too old for the part). I guess it worked out!

I did love the book, so I am hoping for a good adaption of this at the very least. The trailers looked pretty loyal, so we will see. They pushed our release date from last Friday to this upcoming one. A whole damn week.

To be honest, I’ve only read TFIOS from John Green, but I like his writing style and storytelling. I didn’t know they were adapting another one of his novels, but if he’s involved in the production, I’m sure it’ll be a success.

Nice review, Ruth. I wasn’t quite as impressed with the film as a whole as you were, though it does come around at about the halfway point after a really shakey start (for me at least). Still though, the casting for Van Houten was perfect. Dafoe absolutely killed here!

About me

Hello I'm Ruth! Film is in my blood. LOVE movies of all genres, from Jane Austen to James Bond. Official blogger for the Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF). I've recently completed my first feature screenplay & produced my first short film HEARTS WANT. Visit facebook.com/heartswantfilm

Trivia on Blade Runner 2049

Denis Villeneuve noted that he's fully aware of the immense pressure he's under, and how hardcore fans of the original view the prospect of a new film: "I know that every single fan will walk into the theater with a baseball bat. I'm aware of that and I respect that, and it's okay with me because it's art. Art is risk, and I have to take risks. It's gonna be the biggest risk of my life but I'm okay with that. For me it's very exciting... It's just so inspiring, I'm so inspired. I've been dreaming to do sci-fi since I was 10 years old, and I said 'no' to a lot of sequels. I couldn't say 'no' to Blade Runner 2049 (2017). I love it too much, so I said, 'Alright, I will do it and give everything I have to make it great.'"

Initially, Denis Villeneuve was against the concept of a sequel to Blade Runner (1982), as he felt it could violate the original. But after reading the script, which he and Harrison Ford have described as "one of the best" they have ever read, he committed to the project, stating that Ford was already involved at that point: "To be very honest with you, Harrison was part of the project before I arrived. He was attached to it right from the start with Ridley [Scott]. I met him and he's honestly one of the nicest human beings I've met and is one of my favorite actors of all time, so for me it's a lot of pleasure."

Jared Leto was introduced to Denis Villeneuve by his close friend Jean-Marc Vallée, who had directed Leto in Dallas Buyers Club (2013).

Emily Blunt was considered for a role but she declined due to her pregnancy.

This sequel is set to be released on October 6, 2017, just ten years and one day after the Final Cut version of the first film premiered in Los Angeles.

The sequel which takes place 30 years after Blade Runner (1982) is the story of new Blade Runner Officer K (Ryan Gosling) as he searches Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) whom has disappeared. In Harrison Ford's earlier science fiction film Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) which took place 30 years after Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983), The film's main protagonists Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega) are searching for Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) whom disappeared. Harrison Ford played Han Solo in the Star Wars films.